The Design Our Tomorrow (DOT) Conference brings together the world’s greatest visionaries to inspire young people to create, innovate, and better the world. The topics covered include: technology, science, design, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the arts. We will be showing two incredible IAEP prototypes at this event: Neighbourhoodie and The Quetzal!

The Quetzal is an interactive narrative (story-game) interfaced via EEG biofeedback. Harnessing the latest in consumer-level EEG technology, The Quetzal weaves 2D illustrations and 3D game play into a rich narrative tapestry. Through the power of thought, audience members become actors in The Quetzal.

If you would like to be scheduled to be part of The Quetzal experience during Design Our Tomorrow please email myself (amallozzi@cfccreates.com) and I will let you know what time-slots are available.

Neighbourhoodie (Creative Team: Rose Bianchini, David McCallum, and Kathleen Climie)
Neighbourhoodie is an Interactive Hoodie and Game Platform for the iPod Touch and iPhone. This comfy, hooded garmet is fully outfitted with speakers in the hood, LED lights and other electronics, so that once plugged into an iPod Touch or iPhone, the world is turned into a video game through the use of light, sound and sensors. Neighbourhoodie combines the energy of street games with the thrill of interactive game play. Play games you know, enhanced with lights and sounds or create new games. Explore the gesture of pulling the hood up, not to withdraw from the world, but to enter into a world of collaborative experience. Be your own video game!

SCREENS is a conference that is dedicated to mobile, tablet and set top box development. SCREENS is jam packed with information and a massive networking opportunity, SCREENS consists of presentations, demonstrations and panel discussions. It is one of the only events in the world designed for developers of all platforms of screen content.

meshmarketing is a one-day event focused on providing attendees with insight, perspective and information to more effectively embrace and capitalize on the fast-growing digital market. A morning of thought-provoking keynote conversations will be followed by an afternoon of interactive and engaging panels and workshops.

I will be attending MeshMarketing and live-tweeting from @cfcmedialab (follow us!) as well as writing an article for <STABLETALK>! Stay tuned!

This festival is predicated on the notion that as artists, designers, engineers, architects, marketers, corporations and citizens we have the tools to (re)build the world, conceptually and actually, virtually and physically, poorly and better, aesthetically and pragmatically, in both large and small ways.

Under the theme “Build Your Own World,” the CFC Media Lab led a series of workshops where participants made their Hoodie “zombie-tag” ready for a widespread, participatory game:

Also at 01SJ, CFC Media Lab and Art for Commuters founder, Sharon Switzer presented the “Best Of” works from the Art For Commuters library that speak to the theme of conscious creation.

Take a peek at the “Best Of” works here:

Also at 01SJ was Luke Jerram’s “Play Me I’m Yours” an installation in which 19 street pianos appeared on the streets of San Jose, CA (www.01sjpiano.com). Located in public parks, streets and squares, the pianos were for any member of the public to play and enjoy. This project was about enlivening the urban space and the community in places you would least expect it.

Check out the music video below featuring Canadian Jazz Artist, Ori Dagan (Produced by CFC Media Lab and Leonardo Dell’Anno):

I hope this letter finds everyone well, rested from a glorious summer, eager to embrace fall, and ready to rock n’ roll through to the rest of 2010. This August I was lucky to have spent some time in the mountains of the French High Alps at a place called Les Terraces, above the small alpine village La Grave — that’s The Grave to you. The place feels totally different from Banff, — less wilderness-y, though still wild, and feels more like a portal into the 12th century.

Here’s a picture taken from one of our walks!

Now, given what you see here, you’d think the mountains would keep thoughts of work at bay. But I must admit I would often think of the Lab. Before you groan and mutter “crazyworkaholic” let me explain.

MY TOP FIVE REASONS WHY IT WAS OKAY TO THINK OF THE CFC MEDIA LAB in the FRENCH ALPS:

Galen Scorer, former CFC Media Lab Research & Tech Manager is sleeping on my couch as we rush to premiere our new interactive production! Alum, Patrick Dinnen is part of the team building this exciting new work.

As you enter TIFF Bell Lightbox, you will encounter an interactive projection above the box office: a dynamic visualization of kinetic images from each of the Essential 100 Films. Text in “your essential cinema” — one film from the Essential 100. The system takes note of it and adds it to every other person’s choice. The projected visualization then changes as the difference between what you think and what TIFF thinks is displayed on the screen. “What’s Your Essential Cinema?” pits the general public against the experts and puts you at the center of the conversation.

Alumni David McCallum, Rose Bianchini, Kathleen Climie, Sharon Switzer, Angella Mackey, & Pearl Chen are currently rocking out (in spirit and in person) in California under the helm of Leonardo Dell’Anno!

The 2010 01SJ (ZER01, San Jose) Biennial is predicated on the notion that as artists, designers, engineers, architects, marketers, corporations and citizens we have the tools to (re)build the world, conceptually and actually, virtually and physically, poorly and better, aesthetically and pragmatically, in both large and small ways.

Under the theme “Build Your Own World,” the CFC Media Lab will be leading a series of workshops where participants can make their Hoodie “zombie-tag” ready for a widespread, participatory game. There won’t be cut throat competition. And Heidi Klum won’t show up. But you will get to make your own signature “wearable Hoodie” that enables you to play Zombie Tag during the AbsoluteZER0 street festival on Friday, September 17. Project HoodiePlay is based on a wearable game by Rose Bianchini, Kathleen Climie and David McCallum created during their residency at CFC Media Lab’s TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program.

Special shout out goes to Kate Hartman, CFC Media Lab guest faculty for helping us design the workshop!

CFC Media Lab and Art for Commuters founder, Sharon Switzer will also present the “Best Of” works from the Art For Commuters library that speak to the theme of conscious creation. Screenings will happen during 01SJ as part of the Future Films program.

Nuit Blanche is almost upon us and we have a launch to prepare for Oct. 2nd! CFC Media Lab IAEP Coordinator Kimberly Dean, while not running stabletalk, is helping fearless leader Jacqueline Nuwame make this happen at our new venue partner InterAccess!

At this year’s Scotiabank Nuit Blanche the CFC Media Lab will present Close Encounters, an annual exhibition of work by residents of the TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program. These interactive media projects run the gamut from interactive sound pieces to iPhone wearable gaming systems. From those which explore notions of first contact, to others which invite us to reimagine play. Regardless of technology platform or theme, each of these projects makes us look at things a different way. Shaving cream, pillows, mud – they can all become vehicles for our persistent visions. The gallery will be transformed into a space for inquisitive discovery and play. Created by: Dee Balkissoon, Camille Betts, Rose Bianchini, Dawn Buie, Cathy Chen, Kathleen Climie, Justin Ferrato, Liz Gallo, Orla Garriques, David Goorevitch, Conor Holler, David McCallum and featured Alumni Artist, Sharon Switzer.

Prototype Launch? Hell ya, we can do more! So, CFC Media Lab Digital Production Manager, Steve Ferguson and our new Research and Technology Manager, Dave Kretz are working alongside our new partners the Royal Conservatory of Music to create a whole new work for Nuit Blanche.

Commissioned by TELUS, Musical Rumble: Jazz vs Classical, is an interactive experience where larger-than-life musicians are projected onto the TELUS Centre windows while audiences use their smartphones to play a virtual game where jazz and classical musicians battle for your vote. Stop by the Bloor Street courtyard of the TELUS Centre (273 Bloor Street West, Toronto) on October 2nd from 7pm-7am to see, hear and interact with the projected performances!

and last, but not least,

Jacqueline Nuwame, CFC Media Lab Senior Programs Manager, has redefined multitasking as she helps me keep all of the above running smoothly while ushering a new group of residents for the Fall 2010 TELUS IAEP session!

The average age of this group is sweet-thirty and boasts the following stellar individuals:
Ryan Bigge is a Toronto-based freelance journalist and content strategist with a focus on technology and cultural trends. His publication credits include the New York Times Magazine and the Toronto Star.
Edwin Lara is a digital artist whose recent work was on display at the Launch Projects art gallery for the “Do Artist Dream of Electric Easels” exhibition. Edwin’s studies include everything from graphic design, marketing to art history.

Dylan Reibling hails from a small rural community in southwestern Ontario. He makes documentaries, narrratives, and experimental films and organizes events and art installations.

Vanessa Shaver is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who possesses a passion for story well-told, character well-wrought and concept well-formed. Vanessa has worked with Shaftesbury Films, Henry Less Productions, ImagiNation Film and Television, marblemedia and Big Studios.

Bobie Taffe is an independent interactive cross platform Producer. Her production company, Taffe Entertainment, produces feature films/documentaries/dramatic series/lifestyle programs that focus on exploring issues of race, sexuality, self-image, multiculturalism and social justice. Bobie has been actively working in the Canadian Film and Television Industry for a little more than a decade.

Ron Wild worked in traditional Civil / Structural disciplines before earning an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Ron managed small hi-tech venture companies for over 15 years before transitioning into creating and exhibiting digital art.

Tsu-Ching Yu with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and diploma in digital media at the Recording Arts Canada Digital Arts College, is a lyric coloratura soprano. She is also an ACTRA stunt performer for film and television who trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I was thinking of listing my Top 10 Reasons…but got tired after five. (Now I see why I may have needed to climb almost 15,782 ft to get away from it all.) But the reality is that I wasn’t letting thoughts of work destroy my zen mountain moments: I thought about the team of staff, alumni, faculty and former colleagues of CFC Media Lab because I was in awe of how much amazing work they are doing. (Notice I didn’t even mention any of the other work our esteemed community has been building within their own corporations and practice! Way to go Caitlin! Woo hoo Gorbets for the San Jose Airport! Congrats, Martha, on finishing up your comprehensives! Dare I go on?)

And as many of you know, there are another five projects lurking around the corner ready to be announced after we get through the 01SJ/TIFF/NUIT Blanche triage.

So here I am sitting in a dusty hallway of the new Bell Lightbox, high from sleep-deprivation, copying and pasting text into the Max Patch for Galen. The plug behind me does not work, my black skirt is now drywall white, and sure I miss the mountains. But I’m really excited about this Fall and seeing everyone this weekend for our annual BBQ.

INplay is a unique, international event that connects kids creative industries with insights and opportunities in the interactive space. From the video game business to the broadcast industry, from toys to toons, the INplay conference brings together leaders in the kids space to learn, network and be inspired by interactive.

The conference will feature 3 major streams each covering a different dimension of working with properties for kids aged 2-12:

Rose Bianchini has been selected to speak on an “Insights” panel for Cutting Edge Research: Input Devices. This topic will be addressed through a series of short presentations followed by a moderated Q&A.

The keyboard, mouse and headset are old school. What is coming next to improve kids’ interaction with the digital world?

Rose Bianchini prototypedNeighbourhoodiewith David McCallum and Kathleen Climie during the Telus IAEP Fall Residency of 2009 at the CFC Media Lab.

Neighbourhoodie is a hoodie that combines the fun and dynamic of street games like ‘zombie tag’ with the technological experience space young people grow up with today, online or with computer games. The ‘Neighbourhoodie’ has the potential to motivate us to leaving not only the couch but the house by playing hybrid games that partly happen in the real world and partly in our all important virtual world.

The Toronto Wearables Meet-up is a gathering of people interested in wearable technology, fashion, wearable electronics, soft circuits, electronic textiles, emerging materials, and other creative and innovative approaches to things that live on the body. This Meet-up is a gathering artists, fashion designers, industrial designers, textile enthusiasts, engineers, researchers, students, and anyone interested in these emerging and intersecting fields.

The Toronto Wearables Meet-up is a gathering of people interested in wearable technology, fashion, wearable electronics, soft circuits, electronic textiles, emerging materials, and other creative and innovative approaches to things that live on the body. This Meet-up is a gathering artists, fashion designers, industrial designers, textile enthusiasts, engineers, researchers, students, and anyone interested in these emerging and intersecting fields.

CFC Media Lab Alumni Angella Mackey is part of this fantastic new exhibit at OCAD:

Fashion Forward
Professional Gallery

Wednesday October 21, 2009 to Sunday January 24, 2010

The opening reception will be Tuesday, October 20 at 9:30 p.m., in conjunction with
the LG Fashion Week beauty by L’Oreal Paris.

special needs | wearable tech | sustainability | choice

The Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) Professional Gallery presents the exhibition Fashion Forward: Toronto (ad)dresses the futures from October 21, 2009 to January 24, 2010. Fashion Forward is presented in conjunction with the Fashion Design Council of Canada’s LG Fashion Week beauty by L’Oreal Paris.

Rejecting the cliché that clothing design is only frivolous, Fashion Forward starts by sketching the untold story of Toronto’s couture community, featuring such stalwarts as Hoax Couture alongside more radical designers. But from there it goes on to explore this community’s trademark inventiveness as the inspiration for new forms of social responsiveness. Designers like Wendy Traas and Susan Harris highlight the growing importance of sustainability in fashion. Lily Cornell’s LED-equipped dresses show the lighter side of wearable technology, while the Ocorant heart monitor vests — designed by a team of George Brown College students — emphasize its pragmatic side. And inclusive designs by Izzy Camilleri, Lida Baday and Sansu change the wearer’s relationship to society by addressing special needs.

“Commentators like William McDonough and Michael Braungart suggest that fashion was key to the industrial revolution and will be important again in the sustainability revolution,” said OCAD Curator and exhibition organizer Charles Reeve. “But Fashion Forward wants to go further. Clothing designers tackle important social needs in new, inventive ways, and the discussion around fashion needs to come up to that same level.”

Robin Kay, President of the Fashion Council of Canada and Executive Director of LG Fashion Week, adds, “It is brilliant on the part of curator Charles Reeve to bring about the very first fashion and art exhibit. LG Fashion Week is when fashion is at its best and most current; it is truly an honour for the Fashion Council to introduce Fashion Forward, an exhibit of sustainability and technology.”

About the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) Established 1999
The Fashion Design Council of Canada is a non-governmental, not-for-profit national association directed towards fashion designers and the industry at large to brand and exercise their commercial viability both nationally and globally. The FDCC has created a successful Fashion Week, now in its 11th, year that commands international respect, economic trade, and profile of our industry and designers. LG Fashion Week, beauty by L’Oréal Paris, the second largest Fashion Week in North America, is the recognized bi-annual fashion event for our industry. For more information visit www.lgfashionweek.ca.

About the OCAD Professional Gallery
Launched in April 2007 with solo exhibits by Rirkrit Tiravanija and Karim Rashid, OCAD’s Professional Gallery is devoted to facilitating connections between, and the contemplation of, contemporary art and design.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: On Thursday, September 29, 2010, CFC Media Lab launched the prototypes created by Residents from the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 sessions of the TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program. On Saturday, October 2, 2010, these prototypes were exhibited for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2010 at InterAccess Gallery. A great big THANK YOU to […]

THANK YOU to everyone who came out and made last night’s VIP Launch such a success! Make sure InterAccess Gallery (9 Ossington Ave.) is a stop on your route for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2010! Here is a preview of what’s there to explore! I Should Be Dreaming of Butterflies – By: Sharon Switzer Voicings – […]

September 9, 2010 Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds everyone well, rested from a glorious summer, eager to embrace fall, and ready to rock n’ roll through to the rest of 2010. This August I was lucky to have spent some time in the mountains of the French High Alps at a place called […]

CFC Media Lab Alumnus, Rose Bianchini, will be speaking at INplay 2010 tomorrow, May 18 at 4 pm at Liberty Grand, in the Centennial Room, located on the Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. INplay is a unique, international event that connects kids creative industries with insights and opportunities in the interactive space. From the video game […]

Congratulations to CFC Media Lab Alumni, Angella Mackey and David McCallum who have created a prototype “Frogr” (a Lilypad Arduino e-textile shield) featured on top wearable tech blog: Fashioning Technology. Be sure to also check out the innovative illuminated bicycle coat crafted by Angella.

CFC Media Lab Alumni Angella Mackey is part of this fantastic new exhibit at OCAD: Fashion Forward Professional Gallery Wednesday October 21, 2009 to Sunday January 24, 2010 The opening reception will be Tuesday, October 20 at 9:30 p.m., in conjunction with the LG Fashion Week beauty by L’Oreal Paris. special needs | wearable tech […]